Language

I don't find German a hard language. I'm sure it is, but with all my exposure to it, I never found it hard. Therefore, it surprises me when people can't understand what I say in German. Many of the words are similar. Ja (yah) is yes and nein (nine) is no. Uhr (oo-ur) is hour and Fritag (fry-tog) is Friday. The language is even easier when you realize that all nouns are capitalized. Because I recognize the similarities, the language just comes to me (not fluently, but I can understand 90% of what my family talks about). So once again, it's a surprise.

This applies to so many concepts. It surprises me when someone has to look down at a controller to play a video game. They don't intuitively know which button is jump and which is run. Most of my friends do. We learned computer input as a language. This also works for math, history, and other academic subjects. People may say math is just a language. I must say, I think they are wrong, but we do definitely learn both things in similar ways. We have to learn basics and concepts before we learn formulas and sentences. You certainly can start with formulas and sentences, but then you don't understand the actual reasoning behind the language until you mess it up and someone corrects you.

Because all subjects can be broken down into the same aspects, it is hard to understand why someone may hate a particular subject. I hate history, but people always ask how I can't remember dates when I can remember the formula for finding the eigenvalues of a multi-variable equation. I truthfully don't have an answer for that. It doesn't make sense to me. Some people just take it as not liking the subject, but I'm convinced that's not the case. I'm convinced it's the interest factor. It's easier for people to learn about what they find valuable and intriguing and it's important that people all find different things intriguing. If they did not, then we would mess something up. We might repeat history or abandon all scientific development. As they say, it takes all kinds.

So if they say that, then why are all kinds separate? Why is it harmful to my four year plan to take a language as a engineering major? Why is it stupid to take philosophy? These are two things my adviser actually said to me. I found it ridiculous. There is no reason that any person should be told to ignore all but one focus of study. If we do, then who will translate the math? Who will psychologically analyze historical figures? Who will program the grammar applications? Academic subjects have to intermingle. I can understand not all people want to learn more than one thing, but the people who do should be encouraged, not demoralized. Programs should review and store history. Math should be spoken between country borders. And video games should be used to teach language. They both undeniably require similar skills and should be presented to people as such. It would draw in fresh minds and suit everyone's learning style in their particular fashion. Subjects should not be blocked out by time periods, but should be taught when they are wanted. People should be nudged towards coeducation between disciplines. I'm sure the result would be nothing but greatness.